Amitabh Bachchan has shared a fascinating story about the global appeal of his cult classic ‘Sholay’, revealing that 2,000 Italians gathered in an open-air square in Bologna and watched the newly restored version of the film late into the night. The actor recalled the incident during a recent episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ Season 18. Here’s what he shared during the reality quiz show.
Amitabh Bachchan recalls ‘Sholay’s restored screening in Bologna
While hosting Dr Ganesh Baraiya on the hot seat, Amitabh Bachchan spoke about the restoration of his iconic 1975 film and the massive response it received in Italy. He explained that the restored print was screened at Bologna’s historic central square as part of celebrations marking ‘Sholay’s’ 50th anniversary, with the world premiere taking place on June 27, 2025.Sharing his amazement, the 83-year-old actor said, “Haal hi mein, unhone jab ‘Sholay’ phirsey, uska nirdharan hua, acche print mai bangaye, to woh film heritage mein Shivendra Singh ji hain joh iska kaam kar rahein hain. Yeh le gaye isko Italy main, bhaisahab Bologna ek jagaah hai, sehar ka naam hain, waha ek bahut bada aangan hain. Jaise bade-bade sheharo main beech main shehar mein ek aangan hota hain na, waha par 2000 Italians, raat ke 11 baje se subha 3 baje tak ‘Sholay’ dekha.”(Recently, when ‘Sholay’ was restored and a good-quality print was made, Shivendra Singh ji, who is working on its restoration, took the film to Italy. There is a city called Bologna, where there is a huge open-air venue, like the large grounds you find in the middle of big cities. Around 2,000 Italians watched Sholay there from 11 pm at night until 3 am.)
More about ‘Sholay’
Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay was directed by Ramesh Sippy, produced by G.P. Sippy, and written by the legendary duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. The story follows retired police officer Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar), who hires two small-time criminals, Jai and Veeru (Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra), to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Hema Malini played the free-spirited Basanti, while Jaya Bhaduri portrayed the graceful widow Radha.The film also featured a memorable supporting cast including A.K. Hangal, Satyen Kappu, Mac Mohan, Sachin, Jagdeep, Asrani, Viju Khote, Keshto Mukherjee, Helen, and Sachin Pilgaonkar. R.D. Burman composed the music, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, giving Hindi cinema timeless songs like ‘Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge’, ‘Holi Ke Din’, ‘Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hai’, ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’, and ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’.
